Author: townadmin (Page 36 of 45)

What a super turn out for our Saturday hike at the Travis County Reimers Ranch Park. Fourteen (yes, that’s right) of us gathered to hike, relax, talk, and eat lunch. JacqueA (and Sheba Diva), JaniceB, JenLaG, JennyF, JoanB, KimW, LisaS (with Junko), MarshaK, NicoleF (with daughter Emma), SallyN, SandyS, SusieA, and TaskinaM.

We met at the ranch at 9 am. First thing we all did was check out the status of the restrooms, and we found them to be more than acceptable. With SallieN as our leader, we hiked the hike-and-bike trail, enjoying views of the Pedernales River from the scenic overlooks. Lots of talking went on as we hiked and identified flowers and bushes. We continued by walking the multi-use trail to our picnic area.

Each of us brought our lunch, and Lisa, Joan, and Junko provided watermelon. More visiting went on. One thing about our membership: we are truly interested in keeping up with what’s going on with each other.  And I really like that about TOWNies!

We hiked about 4.25 miles in just over two hours. The rocky terrain was challenging in some spots as were the inclines. But we started and finished with 13 hikers — so that’s a success! One of us opted to relax and enjoy the area rather than hike — and that’s perfect too!

We’ll repeat this hike in the fall, so think about joining us!

JacqueA

We had nine TOWNAustin members and two guests kayak Lady Bird Lake this week.  GloriaW, JudyA, DianeN, LoisK, DebbieW, LindaF, Maria and her granddaughter and friend.

The weather was good and the water was calm as we kayaked toward downtown. We visited with each other along the way and enjoyed catching up.

There were a lot of turtles, but they weren’t disturbed by us as we passed closely by. Because the weather was so nice, we ran into many other boaters and stand up boarders. It was a beautiful evening to be on the water.

Afterwards some of us went to Las Palomas on Bee Cave for a bite to eat and refreshments.

GailP-C

The night started off with a flurry of activity and the rumble of thunder as the TOWNies set up the room and caught up with old friends while meeting new ones. The few that braved the weather were rewarded with a double rainbow as the storms ended and the day gave way to dusk. The nights have become shorter while the days have become hotter. However, the Texas heat does not deter the TOWNies from enjoying the great outdoors. In fact, it may even encourage more watermelon and taller tales while we await the cooler weather again.

The TOWNies have gone to the dogs! We had an interesting speaker tonight, Matthew McDermott, who spoke about search and rescue and staying safe in the woods. Matt is a retired certified NASAR SART Tech II and had worked as a volunteer dog handler for 10 years with the FBI and the Austin/SanAntonio/Lakeway Police Departments. He has participated in many searches that made the news as well as many that were done under clandestine cover and never made public. He was a member of Travis County SAR, which is a non-profit and funded by volunteers.

Matt brought along his faithful dog, Ruby, who displayed her nose and belly as Matt described the features of a dog and how they use scent to find lost hikers as well as cadavers. It was a fascinating discussion as Matt spoke about the work that goes into training dogs for search and rescue.

Matt also spoke about what to do when you’re lost in the woods, with the first rule being don’t panic. He encouraged hikers to carry a large plastic bag in a pack along with a shiny object, like a CD, to use for reflecting sunlight, a brightly colored ribbon to tie to a nearby tree, and food. A whistle is also a useful tool.  The universal distress signal is 3 short whistle blasts every few seconds.

If hiking solo, always let people know where you are going and when you anticipate to return. It is important to reorient oneself every 10 minutes or so. He also reminded TOWNies to look back at the trail to gather a sense of what the trail will look like when you turn back and retrace your path. (Perhaps that is true in life too: to see where you are going, turn back to see where you have been.) If lost, sit where you are, as that avoids walking in circles.

Time passed quickly tonight as Matt served as an enthusiastic speaker who brought to life the challenges that many dedicated volunteers face when searching for the missing. I had the honor of serving as a rabbit for TCSAR for many months, and it is hoped that Matt will pass onto the TCSAR group the TOWNie contact information so that TOWN Austin could serve as rabbits for large grid searches.

Until next time, stay safe, and Happy Trails,

Marsha

It was a beautiful day to walk through Berry Springs Park and Preserve in Georgetown.  There were seven TOWNies and one guest, and two canine TOWNies, Junko and Pepsi.

We covered most of the trails in the park, including the nature trail at the far end of the park just past I-35.  All together we walked about 2 hours and approximately 5 miles.

It was the first visit there for most of our group, and we enjoyed the wildflowers, huge pecan trees, nice walking paths, Berry Creek and learning a little history about the area.  Some of us visited the resident donkeys then found a shady picnic table to enjoy lunch.  We talked about doing more Georgetown area hikes, so be on the lookout for more to come.

Thanks to everyone who joined me at Berry Springs Park and Preserve.  I had a great time!

CarolynD

Five campers and two visitors enjoyed the beauty of Lake Belton. It was my first time there and I am anxious to go again.

The wind kept us from kayaking, so we entertained ourselves with a dark, spooky trip to Maxdale Bridge near Killeen. Legend has it that the bridge is haunted (IT IS!) by the ghost of a man who hung himself there after his girlfriend drowned below, and also by spirits of school children who died in a bus accident on the bridge. Even though we didn’t see the ghost in the noose, there was audible evidence enough to send five grown women racing back to the truck😳.  Lesson learned by yours truly . . . don’t be the slowest runner:  friendship is relative to the level of fear present.

Saturday was a perfect day for checking out local garage sales and cooking fajitas outside while skirting wind and intermittent rain squalls. As is typical with all you great women, we adjusted to the changing weather and enjoyed a great outing!

Thanks to all . . . see you outdoors soon!

LindaBW

Six TOWN women and one very nice husband enjoyed our weekend on the Texas coast!

On the way down, Nancy, Judie, and Jane toured the museum in Danevang with history about Danish immigrants, while Carrie ate a home-cooked buffet lunch at the historic hotel in Blessing and explored Palacios. Coincidentally, they ran into each other at a gas station in Matagorda. After getting situated, the Thursday-arrivers began with a delicious seafood dinner.

The next morning the day started with a walk on the beach — picking up shells and identifying shore birds. The weather was good. That afternoon, the other three travelers must have been on the same “wave link” as all seven of us coincidentally arrived in Bay City within minutes of each other. Several toured the historical museum with artifacts from the French ship La Belle, and we all got to walk the trails of the Matagorda Bay Birding and Nature Center, which had beautiful grounds. Some took the opportunity to bird a little in the marshes on the way back to Matagorda.

That Friday evening we, of course, ate more seafood at a popular restaurant. By the time we got back, the wind was blowing so hard that it pulled up the stakes on half of Lee Ann’s and Gordon’s tent. Luckily it was prevented from blowing down the river and into the bay by weighting it down with an ice chest and tool box and tying it to metal park posts! Later, three of us managed to do a little fishing from the park pier.

The tenters survived the night, but thanks to generous TOWN ladies (Nancy, Judie, Jane, and Janet), they opted to stay in the wonderful beach house that fronted the ocean the next night.

When we all walked over the dunes to the beach Saturday morning, it looked like a tsunami had come in overnight! The beach we walked on the day before was not even there! The nesting area Janet and Carrie had walked to the day before was under water, as was everything else. Water was right up to the road from Matagorda leading to the LCRA park and the beach. The park staff said this only happens about twice a year when very strong winds blow from the South while a very high tide is also coming in. So, it was “special” that we got to experience this. The winds, tides, and river currents prevented us from kayaking over to the secluded and pristine white sands beach covered with numerous gigantic shells, which was all under water — but there’s always “next time.”

While Gordon fished (and almost caught one), the birders went in several directions birding locally around the marshlands. A long bird list was compiled. Carrie and Lee Ann walked out onto the jetty, along the water’s edge, and along the pier, having to do some wading to get back. Along this walk, a Speckled King Snake was seen, and a Blue-footed Booby was sited sitting alone, probably wind- and wave-blown from afar!

That afternoon, after waiting for the winds to die down a little, the kayakers set out to find St. Mary’s Bayou — but maybe “next time.” They ended up on another cut, but had fun exploring the channels through the grassy marsh. Janet and Carrie looked for birds, while Lee Ann and Gordon tried fishing from their kayaks. Gordon hooked a trout, but only an Osprey caught fish, which it carried to its perch to eat.

Meanwhile, Nancy, Judie, and Jane were at the harbor getting fresh shrimp for a shrimp boil dinner. We had our very best dinner of gulf shrimp, scalloped potatoes, corn on the cob, and chocolate pie! The company and conversation was also the best, as we visited and ate and listened to stories of Nancy’s childhood years spent in Matagorda and Port Lavaca, and other tales of the group’s exciting travels!

Sunday, the weather was great. Leaving, we each went our ways and did a little more exploring before heading home. Janet stopped by the Matagorda Bay Birding and Nature Center again, and spotted two Nutria with a baby. Nancy, Judie, and Jane drove around some areas of Matagorda County. Carrie walked to the end of the pier and also the trail to the marshland viewing pagoda. Coincidentally, Carrie ran into Nancy, Judie, and Jane at a gas station in Bay City, and they caravaned to lunch in El Campo.

I feel that we will return someday to do this Matagorda trip again!

CarrieL

We had a nice, raucous crowd tonight with 7 guests!  Our group was excited about outdoor adventures that had been accomplished, as well as eager with anticipation of future events.  We did not scare off the guests, though, so the night was a success even before our speaker shared tales of fireflies.

Ben Pfeiffer is the creator of www.firefly.org, a non-profit project all about fireflies.  He presented fascinating information about the life cycle and the history of the little beetles who shine in the darkness of night, offering a friendly glow to the weary eye at the end of the day.  It seems that fireflies are believed to have originated 125-150 million years ago and are in every continent except Antarctica.  The flashing lights of the little friends are mostly a way to attract mates.

There are 2,000 species of fireflies worldwide, 200 in the United States, and 40 in Texas.  Georgia and Florida have the highest concentrations.  Fireflies are easily adaptable but one can help maintain a good, welcoming environment by eliminating pesticides, tilling the soil, and adding enrichment to the soil (such as compost).  It also helps to try and maintain dark skies as much as possible.

Each species has its own pattern of flashing and color.  The bioluminescence is the oxidation of luciferin in the abdominal segments of the beetle. The firefly larvae  eats snails, slugs, dead insects, and worms, as well as their own.  The most common firefly in this Texas region is Photinus Pyralis.

Ben was gracious enough to offer help on identifying a firefly if you cannot determine the type.  He may be contacted at .  Additional resources include www.texasento.net  and www.bugguide.net.

The night ended with a smile as TOWNies left with eyes upward, looking for the little lights of the night as we walked back to our cars.  It is nice to know that the lights continue to shine even after the dark night settles in.

Happy Trails,

MarshaK

Some of us found our gloves over the summer, some forgot their glasses, and one person left her hideous Cabela’s lifejacket in the car, but there were 8 happy faces at the Rowing Dock, prepared to enjoy the time out on Lady Bird Lake.  GloriaW was the first to sign up, but there was frisky company:  AnnaE, DebbieW – who is now a member, DianeN, Gail P-C, JudyA, PegG and me.

The day couldn’t have been more perfect.  The long, sleek boats we loved so much last year did not survive the winter, and we set off in a flotilla of what seemed like tiny boats, with hard seats.  There was a slight headwind as we progressed toward the east, through the heart of downtown … Lamar Bridge … Pfluger Bridge … Railroad Bridge … past the swaggering “Berndrenick” lettering on the Seaholm Power Plant intake, then, suddenly, First Street Bridge, our goal for some time.  And yes, time enough to make it all the way to Congress Avenue Bridge.

Some were wise, conserving their energy and staying behind; others, more reckless, pressed ahead.  Even the slowest (your leader) made it back to the dock within our two allotted hours.  Maybe we can do it again.  We have the whole summer.

Tradition sent us to Shady Grove for high fives and general delight.  Remember: this is a group that includes TOWNies of all skill levels, from a bike star / a triathlete to novices.  There is no reason you can’t come and be part of this easy fellowship if you have the time and $15 cash for equipment rental at the Rowing Dock under the MoPac Bridge (www.rowingdock.com).

LindaF

First, a little bit about the park: Seminole Canyon State Park was established in 1980 as an archeological and historic preserve, and it contains a great deal of rock art.  The 2,100-acre park has 72 recorded sites spanning a range of about 9,000 years, with most of the Fate Bell pictographs being made about 4,000 years ago.

On this Seminole Canyon trip, we had 11 TOWN members from the San Marcos and Austin chapters, plus 3 husbands/boyfriends, and 1 daughter – making up a great group for this outing!  Three of these members were also new, so it was good getting to know one another!  And to get acquainted, we of course shared a wonderful potluck meal with so much food that we had to do it again the next night!

Many of us went on guided hikes with tours of some of the most famous pictograph sites in the area, such as Fate Bell Shelter, White Shaman, and Upper Seminole Canyon.  Some hiked an additional 6 miles to see the Panther Cave pictograph in a distant shelter above the Pecos and the Rio Grande.  We also drove to Langtry to see the Judge Roy Bean museum and walked through the cactus gardens where 2 Hooded Orioles were spotted.  On the way back, we stopped at the Pecos River High Bridge overlook, just above where the Pecos runs into the Rio Grande, with a view down the river canyon of tall Limestone bluffs and vistas into Mexico.

Traveling to Seminole Canyon State Park, Hwy. 90 has a lot of interesting layers of geology in the many road cuts between Amistad and the Pecos River.  The desert and river canyon scenery is beautiful.  And there are many more archeological sites to tour in the area.  We’ve captured memories with photos and even watercolors, but I know I’d like to come back and see more!

Thank you all for making this such a great trip!

CarrieL

It was a great day for a walk in Gruene!  I was the only participant from TOWN, but I was number 76 of 120+ people who came out for the 10k walk.

It started at Gruene Hall and went mostly through residential areas – the parts of Gruene that most visitors don’t see.  The neighborhoods I walked through were shady with lots of old trees, long stretches of country roads, and a few gradual hills.  I crossed the bridge over the Guadalupe River twice and saw some tubers getting ready to float.  The water looked cold and swift, but I guess the tubing season is kicking off.

It took me about 2 hours to finish the roughly 6.2 miles, then I treated myself to lunch at The Gristmill and had a salad and a refreshing sangria.  It wouldn’t be a TOWN event if I didn’t eat, right?

Gruene started getting crowded around lunch time, so I left after lunch and gave a grateful person my parking spot.  All in all, it was a wonderful way to start the day!

Cheers,

CarolynD